A charming experience in the real Rome. Past Review
By ana h (Communications Sciences and Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/22/2012 with
Arcadia: Rome - Arcadia in Rome
A different perspective on how I view the U.S. and other countries. Also how to appreciate a higher culture, and my education.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were not hard, however many times they were pointless. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program staff was super accommodating and friendly, truly cared about our well being. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Apartment was cute, and close to campus. Only complaint would be less than satisfactory furniture. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We lived in a family neighborhood, and not in a touristy area at all. Which was great, and there were a few italians in our classes who were very eager to befriend us. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally didn't interact with the healthcare system, but others mentioned it was okay. |
| * Safety: |
Never felt as if I was in danger. That being said, some common sense precautions should be taken as they would in any city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 euro. However I was very frugal compared to other students. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Explore your neighborhood early on and look for the most affordable places to do your shopping. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The program encouraged that we use the language and provided a class but that was about it. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate italian |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Find one friend in your host country that you can talk to on a regular basis. The more the better, but interacting with at least one local on a regular basis will do wonders. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | research the cities you want to visit and book as early as possible. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
